A while ago I wrote a program called "Write Light" which paired writing tips with tips about healthy eating and exercise. My theory was that the connection between the two may in many cases relate to a lack of self confidence and a lack of a creative outlet.
I gave it to a test group and was pleased to find that the results were very good. However, it certainly wasn't a scientific study. That's why I was interested to see an article today that suggests that my theory is backed by research done by academics associated with Stanford University and Renison University College at the University of Waterloo.
In this case 45 female students, 58% of whom were overweight or obese, were the subjects. They were randomly split into two groups. Members of one group wrote for 15 minutes a day about the value that was most important to them. The other half were told to write for an equal period about a value far down their list that might be important to someone else.
After four months, the members of the first group had lost an average of 3.41 pounds, while the others had gained an average of 2.76 pounds.
The theory is that writing about their important value may have improved the women's self-image and led to less snacking and comfort eating.
One of the researchers, Christine Logel, said, "When something threatens your sense that you're a good person, like failing a test or having a fight with a friend, we can buffer that self-integrity by reminding ourselves how much we love our children, for example."
She added, ""My dream, and my research goal, is to get this to the point where people can do it deliberately to benefit themselves."
I'm working on a new edition of the Write Light program, based on the feedback of the first group to use it, and will have it done in about two weeks. In that program you write whatever you want to write. My dream and goal also is that this daily practice may empower people to express themselves and get healthier at the same time--what a great combination.
